Musings on horticultural therapy and the soothing effects of plants and nature
This has been an active season for fledging birds. We have two nests currently right next to the house and at least four others in bushes nearby. The first sign of activity in the Spring was a chickadee taking up residence within the tiny birdhouse that is attached to a back alcove wall. Within a […]
Scapes are shooting out from the garlic (Allium sativum) teeth that I planted last Fall. Curled, the scapes remind me of the long neck of a great blue heron or a flamingo. The tall, long leafed onion relative is nearly ready to harvest. But first you want to cut the scapes and not let them […]
It’s that time of year when absolutely decadent and fragrant bouquets can be gathered every day from the garden. This combination of roses and peonies fills the bill nicely.
It’s hosta heaven at our house with everything exploding out over the last few weeks. Drops from a recent rain hang suspended on the huge leaves, shimmering as would tiny jewels. Some have huge leaves reminding me of some impenetrable topical forest. Others are tiny. For now, they are fairly intact and perfect. . . […]
Time to cage the blueberries (Vaccinium angustfolium)! I learned the hard way that blueberries are way too temping for all the creatures we live with so now that they are fat and approaching ripeness, they must be sequestered. While it may not look sturdy, this PVC-framed cage is cheap and reliable. Somewhat like me. The […]
“I’m good with 60/40,” says Charlotte when it comes to sharing strawberries (Fragaria x ananassa) with her little sister Olivia. They invade our garden together for the first time ever looking to pick strawberries and some vegetables. Olivia is a bit young and new to the garden but she is enjoying the feel of the […]
Foxgloves (Digitalis) are consistent volunteers in our gardens. After introducing them with seed and plants into our soil over 20 years ago, we have never had to again. We never know where this poisonous as well as medicinal plant will emerge and it doesn’t matter to us; we only move this biannual in the Fall […]
The garden explodes with bountiful growth and goodies. All the ingredients in this salad I pulled minutes before they found their way onto our dinner plates. Included are: Asparagus (for only another week and then we stop harvesting) Beet leaves and roots (a yummy and colorful microgreen to eat as I thin the rows) Sugar […]
It’s strawberry (Fragaria x ananassa) season! And even though Juana is feeling a bit under the weather, nothing stops her from going out to the two strawberry patches daily to pick the ripest of fruits before anyone (or thing) touches them. We pull back the protective netting to spot many perfectly shaped and colored berries. […]
The American wisteria (Wisteria frutescens ‘Amethyst Falls’) is blooming in spectacular fashion at @annsplaceinc. We planted this many years ago as part of a corporate donation, which funded the building of this arbor and a meditative labyrinth below our parking lot. Growth in the beginning was spotty as none of the local deer in the […]